MSSA U-16: Nishat Naik shines for Antonio D'Souza 'B'

Two months ago, coach Sajid Sabir Ansari saw Nishat Naik playing on the streets of Nagpada; when the youngster turned up for trials, Ansari didn't think twice before picking him in the side

Two months ago, Antonio D'Souza 'B' (Byculla) coach Sajid Sabir Ansari saw Nishat Naik playing on the streets of Nagpada. And when the youngster turned up for trials last month, Ansari didn't think twice before picking him in the side.

Nishat Naik scored twice

Nishat justified his coach's faith in him when he struck a brace to help his team register a 2-0 win over Activity High School 'B' (Peddar Road) in the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) Boys U-16 Division IV game at Azad Maidan yesterday. The win also secured the Byculla school a place in the play-offs.

Nishat is glad that he scored just when the team needed it. "We needed a win or a draw to qualify for the play-offs. It was because of Sajid sir's guidance that I was able to score today," he said.

Surprised at selectionThe Class IX student said he was surprised when Ansari selected him. "I used to envy my classmates who played for the school. I wished that I too would get a chance. This year, I mustered the courage and went for the trials. I was surprised when sir selected me even without asking me to play. I hope I can score more goals and make him proud."

Explaining why the striker was not a part of the 'A' team Ansari said, "I saw him play football in Nagpada. He was good, but raw. So, I didn't want to take a risk by playing him in the 'A' team so quickly. After seeing his performance in this tournament, I have decided to have him in the playing XI of the 'A' team in forthcoming events."